Barbara Lou Tracy

1928 - 2025

Barbara Lou Tracy

July 3, 1928 - September 16, 2025

Barbara Lou Tracy of Eureka was joyously welcomed into Heaven surrounded by family on September 16, 2025. Barbara was the daughter of Sylvan and Mina Boyer, born on July 3, 1928, and sister to Juanita Huber, Lourene Schelle, Blanche Kirch, Opal Mooberry (all deceased) and Evelyn Maloney of Peoria.

Barbara was the wife of Thomas J. Tracy (deceased) and mother to Michael (Becky) Tracy, Laurel (Brian, deceased) Kutash, Barbara (Lyndell) Leatherman, Janice Dixon and Mary Lou (Stephen) Chew. Preceding her in death are two daughters, Sue Ellen Tracy and Jeanine (Wally) Morse. For 48 years, Barb's life was dedicated to the care of Sue Ellen who underwent numerous heart surgeries before Sue passed away in 2010.

Every kid in our neighborhood had a home to go to, a supper to eat and a mother to love them when they needed it. Special mention is Deb (Tucker) Finley known as the seventh Tracy daughter, foster daughter Luranne Beck, Ghebriella Ghebretensae who, by the Grace of God, escaped from a prison camp in Ethiopia, and by Divine Guidance, was put into the loving care of Barbara Tracy. Also of note is honorary member of the "Tracy Tribe", Dennis Harper.

In 2011 at the age of 83, Barbara married Maury Pifer when they rekindled their high school friendship at the Maple Lawn Home in Eureka. Maury passed at the age of 91 in 2017.

Besides being the mother of seven children, grandmother of 12, great-grandmother of 26 and great-great-grandmother of six, Barbara worked as a secretary at Caterpillar and was secretary to the principal of Eureka High School. In her own teen years at Eureka High School, Barbara, known as "Bobby", acted as Meg in "Little Women" and Bernice in "Stage Door". She graduated in 1946 and was awarded the D.A.R.

Barb was a founding member of the Walnut Grove Fine Arts Assn. of Eureka, and performed in their productions of "The Wizard of Oz" as Auntie Em; "Annie Get Your Gun" in the role of Dolly and "The Music Man" as Mrs. Paroo. Not only could she act, she could sing and taught all her children and grands to sing little ditties when rocking the babies. Barb was a poet and the family are in the process of compiling her writings to be shared with others. Did we mention artist yet? In her later years, Barb spent many hours with colored pencils, and gifting of her pictures to friends and care takers at the AC Home in Eureka. She was an avid reader and read two books a week, brought to her by Connie from the Eureka Library. Most of all, her sense of humor and wit will resonate in the memories of all who knew her. Let your tears be tears of laughter and joy, and not sorrow when you remember Barbara Lou Tracy.

Barb was a member of The United Methodist Church in Eureka and later, a member of the Grace Church of the Nazarene in Eureka. She knew that by the Grace of Jesus Christ, she had Eternal Life in Heaven.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Argo-Ruestman Harris Funeral Home in Eureka. Celebration of Barb's life will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Eureka. Interment immediately following at Olio Township Cemetery, Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Live Action (pro-life organization) because Barbara firmly believed It's not a choice. It's a child; or, Turning Point USA in honor of Charlie Kirk.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.argoruestmanharris.com.

Argo-Ruestman Harris Funeral Home

508 S. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530

309-467-2423